My first Smallmouth

[thmyorke1]

Headed to the raritan river after multiple skunks through winter. I was thinking that the trout would be around the falls but had no luck with lil crappie jigs, or maybe even herring n shad.

Switched to targeting smb and I upped the jig weight and put on half a green zoom lizard.

First one was the biggest fish ive landed. All caught within a short period of time, after that not a lot of action even with lure change.

These guys FIGHT. Reeling them in was half the fun.

[23cardinal]

Congrats!
The first one has the color, but the Second has that eye. First of many to come

[AndyS]

So all of these are different fish, they almost look identical ? Just curious if you moved away from the falls what section of the large river you were fishing ?
The fish look healthy. Next step is a nice fine mesh landing net, easy to land fish, great for taking photos. Congrats, more to come I hope. Funny how we forget about stocked trout real fast !
Landing net pic....

[FASTEDDIE29]

Toughest fish in the river pound for pound! Congrats on a fine catch young man!:D

P.S. Buy a net like Andy says! You'll need it one day! I myself don't own one, LOL!!!

[thmyorke1]

I actually have a net, fine mesh, used it for one of the fish that wouldn't calm down so i could lip him.

You guys recommend never lipping them? I heard it's ok as long as you do it vertically.

[thmyorke1]

So all of these are different fish, they almost look identical ? Just curious if you moved away from the falls what section of the large river you were fishing ?
The fish look healthy. Next step is a nice fine mesh landing net, easy to land fish, great for taking photos. Congrats, more to come I hope. Funny how we forget about stocked trout real fast !
Landing net pic....

I wouldn't be surprised if one I caught twice, all in the same hole. didnt think they'd hit back, but it figures since they're aggressive this season.

They were on the south side of the river. So many snags there btw. I should bring 10lb test next time with bendable hooks.

Next time I'll try fishing a different spot once that one produced enough.

[AndyS]

Lipping them is fine. I prefer it this way (personal preference) I guess.
Keep the reports coming in.

[Jigman13]

Vertical lipping is ok for smaller fish. Big fish lip with one hand and support the belly horizontally. When they get big hanging vertically puts a lot of unnatural stress on their jaw and throat latch.

[sbalewitz74]

Congrats on your first smallie. Definitely a fun fighting fish.

[Fred E. Goose]

Nice fish! Hope you found a real "honey hole", but odds are that they'll move with the river. I wish you good luck in finding them, looking forward to more smallie posts this year. Congrats!

[JDTuna]

Congratulations on the first of many!